How could there be just 2,000 Turks in Northeast Ohio and a 300 percent increase in Turkish restaurants in the past 12 months? Credit Yashar Yildirim and his pioneering Anatolia Cafe, open since 2007 in Cleveland Heights. All three newcomers have ties to Yildirim and his restaurant, and each draws from Turkey's regional cuisines, incorporating lamb, yogurt and lots of veggies.

Dervish Mediterranean & Turkish GrillOpened June 2010

The Connection: Owners Mehmet and Ashley Candan are family friends of Yildirim.

The Connection: It opened this year as Anatolia's West Side sister spot.

The Difference: "People asked, 'Why don't you come to the West Side?' " manager Ilhan Oralas says of Yildirim's decision to open Alaturka. The menu duplicates Anatolia Cafe's with a focus on central and eastern Turkish cuisine.

The Difference: "The main difference here is the chef," says owner Cumhur Sasmaz of Bozkurt. While Bozkurt brought over many of Anatolia's central and eastern Turkish favorites, he added new offerings such as burgers and vegan dishes.